First identification of beta-lactamases in antibiotic-resistant bacteria isolated in stream macroinvertebrates in a central Italian region
Basic science / microbiology published in Microb Drug Resist (2020)
Abstract
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) are widespread in nature and represent a serious public and environmental problem. In the present study, we report for the first time the presence of bacterial β-lactamases in two macroinvertebrate species with different feeding traits. The class A β-lactamases, SHV-1 and TEM-1, were found in Citrobacter freundii isolated from Gammarus elvirae and Escherichia coli from water samples, respectively. The metallo-β-lactamase CphA was found in Aeromonas veronii and Aeromonas hydrophila strains isolated from the predator Dina lineata. The presence of a large plasmid was ascertained only in E. coli strains isolated from water. In all strains studied, an integrase I typical of class I integrin was found. In contaminated freshwater habitats, ARB and antibiotic resistance genes could be disseminated through trophic links with important ecological implications. Transmission through the food chain may contribute to spreading and transferring antibiotic resistance not only in freshwater ecosystems but also outside the aquatic habitat.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Resumen
First identification of SHV-1 and TEM-1 beta-lactamases in stream-macroinvertebrate-isolated bacteria including leech-associated strains. Class I integrase detected in all strains, suggesting horizontal antibiotic-resistance gene transfer.
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
Este estudio informa la primera identificación de genes de beta-lactamasa en bacterias aisladas de macroinvertebrados de arroyos, incluyendo la metalo-beta-lactamasa CphA en cepas de Aeromonas veronii y Aeromonas hydrophila del predador Dina lineata, y beta-lactamasas de clase A (SHV-1, TEM-1) en Citrobacter freundii de Gammarus elvirae y en Escherichia coli de muestras de agua. Todas las cepas portaban integrasa de clase I, lo que sugiere potencial para la transferencia horizontal de genes de resistencia a través de vínculos tróficos en ecosistemas de agua dulce. El resumen no identifica a Dina lineata como una sanguijuela, ni menciona la terapia con sanguijuelas medicinales, la hirudoterapia ni Hirudo medicinalis. Consecuentemente, no puede establecerse ninguna conexión defendible con el ámbito de la ASH a partir del resumen únicamente; el estudio es una investigación de microbiología ambiental sobre la diseminación de resistencia a antibióticos en hábitats de agua dulce.
Citación
First identification of beta-lactamases in antibiotic-resistant bacteria isolated in stream macroinvertebrates in a central Italian region.
Segatore B et al. · Microbial drug resistance, 2020
Contexto clínico relacionado
Explore cómo esta investigación se conecta con la práctica clínica
Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 27, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: 18 de junio de 2026